Eales backs Deans as new coach

SYDNEY – Former Australian captain John Eales has backed Robbie Deans to take over as coach of the Wallabies, despite widespread opposition to a New Zealander getting the top job.

Eales, who led the Wallabies to victory in the 1999 World Cup, said the Canterbury Crusaders coach had better credentials than the five Australians vying for the job. “If you look at his coaching record he does stand out over all the other coaching candidates,” Eales told ABC radio yesterday.”Robbie Deans stacks up against any coach anywhere in the world.”If somebody like that is available, it’s hard to find a reason why you would not go for him.”Deans became a late candidate after Graham Henry was reappointed to the All Blacks’ job last week, despite New Zealand crashing out of the World Cup in a quarter-final loss to France.”What he has done with the Crusaders over such a long period of time and the way he has turned over good players and brought very good players through and the success he has had makes him a very impressive candidate,” Eales said.Since taking over as the Crusaders head coach in 2000, Deans has guided the New Zealand side to four Super 12 and Super 14 titles.Nampa-AFP”If you look at his coaching record he does stand out over all the other coaching candidates,” Eales told ABC radio yesterday.”Robbie Deans stacks up against any coach anywhere in the world.”If somebody like that is available, it’s hard to find a reason why you would not go for him.”Deans became a late candidate after Graham Henry was reappointed to the All Blacks’ job last week, despite New Zealand crashing out of the World Cup in a quarter-final loss to France.”What he has done with the Crusaders over such a long period of time and the way he has turned over good players and brought very good players through and the success he has had makes him a very impressive candidate,” Eales said.Since taking over as the Crusaders head coach in 2000, Deans has guided the New Zealand side to four Super 12 and Super 14 titles.Nampa-AFP